In this era of beauty and aesthetics, it is very important to take care of your skin. Due to all the artificial cosmetics we use on our skin and the improper food we consume, we suffer from a lot of skin-related issues like breakouts, which makes us question what is wrong with our skin. The most common reason for our skin breaking out is pollution, which traps dirt in our pores and causes whiteheads, blackheads, and painful, pus-filled bumps. Some people suffer from intermittent breakouts, and some from severe, regular acne. Apart from pollution, there are deeper reasons for our skin breaking out, which are described here, along with ways to prevent them.
Here are the Causes of Skin Breakouts and How to Prevent Them
1. Consuming Oily Foods
As we say, eat healthy, stay healthy; this is absolutely true. Nowadays, our eating habits are adversely affecting our bodies and skin. Our skin breaks out when we consume oily, greasy food. These oily foods lead to hormonal spikes, which cause hormonal acne.
Fast foods have a lot of oil and generally contain refined carbohydrates and sugar, which trigger blood sugar levels, raise insulin, thereby increasing the production of oil (sebum) in the skin.
Preventive Measures
Prevention is better than a cure. This implies that avoiding certain foods will help you to protect your skin from damage. To get a healthier, glowing, acne-free skin, you need to consume a healthy diet that includes green vegetables and fruits.
2. Usage of Chemical-Infused Makeup Products
The unnatural beauty standards have made people use cosmetic products that don’t even suit their skin. Comedogenic oils and butters infused into cosmetic products trap sebum and bacteria, which can cause breakouts. Certain types of silicone present in beauty products can trap oil and dirt and cause your skin to break out. Irritants and drying agents irritate your skin and make it look dry, which leads to acne.
So choosing the right product for your skin is very important. Here are some points you should keep in mind before selecting a product .
- Know your skin type – Choose your product according to your skin type.
- Check the labels – See if the products are listed as non-comedogenic, oil-free.
- Look for natural oils – Oils like coconut and cocoa butter are highly comedogenic, which means they clog pores and eventually cause skin breakouts.
3. Hormonal Issues
Nowadays, one out of ten women is suffering from hormonal issues like PCOS. Other hormonal issues include menstrual cycle fluctuations, pregnancy, menopause, and insulin resistance, which are explained below-
- PCOS: It stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is a lifestyle and hormonal disorder. It makes your skin break out. It causes painful cystic acne that appears on the cheeks, chin, jawline, and neck. PCOS increases levels of male hormones (androgens) in the female body, which increase sebum production, eventually clogging pores and resulting in acne.
- Menstrual Cycle Fluctuations: It has been observed that before menstruation, the skin becomes dull, and acne may appear. This is due to a rise in progesterone, the hormone that regulates the female menstrual cycle, and a dip in estrogen, a hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. This causes premenstrual acne.
- Pregnancy and Menopause: During this time, the estrogen levels are lower, which leads to adult-onset acne.
- Insulin Resistance: Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. This is a condition where body cells stop responding properly to insulin, making it hard to take up glucose from the blood.
Management
These conditions can be managed by maintaining a healthy diet, regular workout, and a good skincare routine. If you are suffering from severe acne, you should consult a dermatologist.
4. Stress
If you keep on stressing about things in your mind, it will not only hamper your mental health but also worsen your skin condition. Stress can elevate stress-related hormones, which contribute to sebum production, the oil then clogs the pores, resulting in skin breakouts.
Preventive Measures
The best you can do is avoid stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Meditation can help you reduce your stress and balance your body. Avoid eating sugary and fried foods. The healthier we are, the healthier our bodies and minds get.
5. Improper Skincare Routine
A proper skincare routine is very crucial in maintaining your skin’s condition. There is a need to protect your skin from UV rays. The rays affect the skin directly by drying it and increasing oil production. The sun causes the skin to sweat, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria and lead to acne and breakouts.
Preventive Measures
If a proper skincare regimen is followed, skin damage can be avoided. This routine should definitely include sunscreen with SPF to keep the skin protected from harmful rays.
Also Read: Dull Skin Causes You Probably Didn’t Know About
Bottom Line
Skin breakouts can be cured by adopting some simple habits. Adding these habits to your daily routine can gradually improve your skin. It is all about taking care of yourself and your skin by eating healthy, working out daily, and avoiding sugar and oily foods. If you want to prevent your skin from breaking out, you need to maintain a healthier lifestyle. You don’t have to use expensive products, but take the right steps for your skincare. If you know the root causes of your skin breakout, you can find a solution to your skin problem.